*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*
If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.
*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*
*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*
*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*
*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*
Towne Center Shopping Center, 1445 E Los Angeles Ave UNIT 120
Simi Valley, California 93065
Everything is great with Jeri until you have a problem. She becomes very defensive, and she twice hung up the phone on my wife while they were talking. My wife offered to make an appointment to come in and finally work out the problem and she refused. Jeri is fine if you don't have a problem but once you do then forget about her trying to help you.
We have worked with Jeri over the past 10 years. We find Jeri to be a DELIGHT to work with. She is resourceful, very knowledgeable, professional, positive, practical, supportive and thorough. Anyone we have referred to Jeri has always been very grateful and appreciative. If you are in need of a top notch tax person, she is truly a jewel to work with.
Jeri has helped my family with our tax filing services for over a decade. She is great at what she does and is very knowledgeable. She has helped us with our business and rental property. She is great at giving advice to help decide how best to minimize your tax burden.
If it was possible to give more stars, I would. Jeri's knowledge, professionalism, and friendly personality have secured her as my tax professional from now on. I retired last year, and knew there would be some special considerations involved. I feel very lucky that I found Jeri, because the information and advice she gave me, and the preparation of the returns, left me with a very appreciated peace of mind. Jeri's the best.
Jeri provides excellent support, advice and is very knowledgeable. She is great to work with. We highly recommend her services!
Jeri is excellent! I received a letter from the IRS stating that I owed over $15,000 and she was able to get that down to just $100! She's a spectacular accountant and an extremely nice person to boot! I highly highly recommend her if you've got any kind of tax problems, accounting issues or if you just want to get your taxes done buy a true professional who can save you money!
The IRS can be very intimidating when they call or show up at your front door. Jeri is the answer to dealing with IRS issues and getting them resolved quickly. The first step in taking action is to contact Jeri. Her confidence and knowledge helped put the IRS agent at bay and gave me the time I needed to get my act together. In two months all was resolved and after going through my poorly prepared returns found errors that resulted in the IRS having to send me checks. I will always have Jeri prepare my retu
I have used Jeri for 20 years and wouldn't think of changing. She takes the worry out of the process and brings a lot to the table. She is quick to respond with answers, very important to me. I have recommended her to friends and will continue to do so with confidence.
Jeri is highly skilled and experienced with taxes. Aside from this she is very friendly and puts you at ease. We highly recommend her services.
Jeri is so accommodating. She's very knowledgeable and thorough. Thank you, Jeri!
Great tax professional. Solved my very difficult tax problem. Dealt with the IRS for me. Very reasonable and nice. Highly recommended
Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.
Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.
A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.
Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.
Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.
Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.
Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.
Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.
Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.
During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.
Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.
Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.
For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.
Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.
Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.